As the artist in residence at the University of Rochester Medical Center since January of 2018, Charmaine Wheatley, sits with individuals from a different organisations, capturing their likeness and fragments of conversation with watercolour on paper. Each portrait involves open hearted discussion of experiences of those who live with the challenges of HIV and mental health, as well as, researchers, clinicians, and caretakers. These portraits unravel stigma within the HIV and Mental Health communities of Rochester, New York.

From January 1, 2017- June 30, 2017, Charmaine focused on the mental health community of Rochester and since July, immersed in the HIV population of Rochester and Buffalo. For more information about the project, visit bit.ly/cwartistinresidence

Since 2011, Wheatley has carried the smallest Moleskinne daily planner. This practise was prompted by a time when she held a beautiful miniature illuminated medieval manuscript. The pages were too stuffed with lavish detail and gold leaf to barely crack open. Upon seeing this Moleskinne planner, with the same proportions at the Union Square Strand Bookstore she decided to compete with that divine book’s marvelous. Each moleskinne book is 4-1/8” x 2-5/8” x 1”. Pages include copies of wine labels, to do's, portraits, and notes about everything.

Charmaine Wheatley was an artist in residence at the Seven Below Initiative in Vermont during the summer of 2008. A program made possible by musician, Trey Anastasio and the Burlington City Arts. She chose to get acquainted with local seniors, doing their portraits as they chatted. At the end of her residency, everyone in the community was invited to attend a reception, sharing a powerpoint projection of all the portraits along with refreshments. An informal, yet intimate project that served to connect the local seniors community and their families with the local artistic community. Each drawing is 4 x 6 inches. Watercolour, ink, gel pen, graphite, and gouache on paper